RISK

ASSESSMENT
AND CONTROL
MODULE 4
Principles of Risk Control

■ Control is the elimination or inactivation of a hazard in a

manner such that the hazard does not pose a risk to workers
who have to enter into an area or work on equipment in the
course of scheduled work.
Principles of Risk Control
■ Hazards should be controlled at their source (where the problem is
created). The closer a control to the source of the hazard is the
better.
■ This method is often referred to as applying engineering controls.
■ If this does not work, hazards can often be controlled along the path
to the worker, between the source and the worker. This method can
be referred to as applying administrative controls.
■ If this is not possible, hazards must be controlled at the level of the
worker through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE),
although this is the least desirable control.
Consideration In Implementing Risk Control
■ Review measures regularly; modify if necessary.
■ Comply with National Laws and Regulations.
■ Reflect good management practice.
■ Consider the current state of knowledge
■ Include information or reports from organisations such as DOSH,
OSH services, and others.
■ Responsibility for taking reasonable precaution to prevent injuries
and accidents at the workplaces.
■ There is no clear way to control the hazard.
RiskControl
 Selecting a Suitable Control
■ Selecting a control often involves –
a) evaluating and selecting short and long term controls;
b) implementing short-term measures to protect workers until permanent
controls can be put in place; and
c) implementing long term controls when reasonably practicable.
■ For example, suppose a noise hazard is identified. Short-term controls
might require workers to use hearing protection. Long term, permanent
controls might remove or isolate the noise source.
Risk Control
At the source of the hazard
A. Elimination - Getting rid of a hazardous job, tool, process,
machine or substance is perhaps the best way of protecting
workers. For example, a salvage firm might decide to stop buying
and cutting up scrapped bulk fuel tanks due to explosion hazards.
B. Substitution - Sometimes doing the same work in a less
hazardous way is possible. For example, a hazardous chemical
can be replaced with a less hazardous one. Controls must protect
workers from any new hazards that are created.
Engineering Control
A. Redesign - Jobs and processes can be reworked to make them
safer. For example, containers can be made easier to hold and lift.
B. Isolation - If a hazard cannot be eliminated or replaced, it can
some times be isolated, contained or otherwise kept away from
workers. For example, an insulated and air-conditioned control
room can protect operators from a toxic chemical.
C. Automation - Dangerous processes can be automated or
mechanized. For example, computer-controlled robots can handle
spot welding operations in car plants. Care must be taken to protect
workers from robotic hazards.
Engineering Control
D. Barriers - A hazard can be blocked before it reaches workers.
For example, special curtains can prevent eye injuries from
welding arc radiation. Proper equipment guarding will protect
workers from contacting moving parts.
E. Absorption - Baffles can block or absorb noise. Lockout
systems can isolate energy sources during repair and maintenance.
Usually, the further a control keeps a hazard away from workers, the
more effective it is.
F. Dilution - Some hazards can be diluted or dissipated. For
example, ventilation systems can dilute toxic gasses before they
reach operators.
Engineering Control
Replacing Bobbins
Before After

Using
tool

Heavy workload by
Lighter workload by a
hand
modified powerlift
Engineering Control
Administrative Controls
A. Safe work procedures - Workers can be required to use standardized
safety practices. The employer is expected to ensure that workers follow
these practices. Work procedures must be periodically reviewed with
workers and updated.
B. Supervision and training – Initial training on safe work procedures
and refresher training should be offered. Appropriate supervision to
assist workers in identifying possible hazards and evaluating work
procedures.
C. Job rotations and other procedures can reduce the time that workers
are exposed to a hazard. For example, workers can be rotated through
jobs requiring repetitive tendon and muscle movements to prevent
cumulative trauma injuries. Noisy processes can be scheduled when no
one is in the workplace.
Administrative Controls
D. Housekeeping, repair and maintenance programs - Housekeeping
includes cleaning, waste disposal and spill cleanup. Tools, equipment
and machinery are less likely to cause injury if they are kept clean and
well maintained.
E. Hygiene - Hygiene practices can reduce the risk of toxic materials
being absorbed by workers or carried home to their families. Street
clothing should be kept in separate lockers to avoid being contaminated
by work clothing. Eating areas must be segregated from toxic hazards.
Eating should be forbidden in toxic work areas. Where applicable,
workers should be required to shower and change clothes at the end of
the shift.
Personal Protective Equipment
■ Personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing is used when other controls
measures are not feasible and where additional protection is needed.
■ Workers must be trained to use and maintain equipment properly.
■ The employer and workers must understand the limitations of the personal
protective equipment.
■ The employer is expected to require workers to use their equipment whenever it
is needed.
■ Care must be taken to ensure that equipment is working properly. Otherwise,
PPE may endanger a workers health by providing an illusion of protection.
Personal Protective Equipment
■ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can be divided into 5
categories:
 Eye and face protection
 Head protection
 Hearing protection
 Full body protection including hand, feet and fall protection
 Respiratory protection
Personal Protective Equipment

Asbestos Roof Removal activity

Personal Protective Equipment???
Personal Protective Equipment???
 Monitoring Controls
■ The effectiveness of controls must be checked regularly. Evaluate and
monitor hazard controls during inspections, routine maintenance, and
other activities. Ask the following questions –
a) have the controls solved the problem?
b) is any risk to workers posed by the controls contained?
c) are all new hazards being identified?
d) are significant, new hazards appropriately controlled?
e) are accident reports being analyzed?
f) are any other measures required?
■ Document control activities to track their effectiveness, if necessary re-
evaluate hazards and implement new control measures.
Safe Work Procedures
■ Through the completion of a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA),
sometimes hazards are identified and cannot be eliminated or
engineered out of a particular task.
■ Safe Work Procedures are step by step instructions that allow
workers to conduct their work safety when hazards are present.
■ A Safe Work Procedure identifies the materials and equipment
needed, and how and when to use them safety.
 Safe Work Procedures
Safe Work Procedures are generally prepared for -
a) critical high risk jobs where accidents have or could result in severe
injuries;
b) hazardous work where accidents occur frequently;
c) new or altered tasks have been introduced;
d) new equipment has been added to a process;
e) a job that requires many detailed tasks;
f) where two or more workers required for a job, and each must perform
specific tasks simultaneously; and
g) specific tasks are done infrequently
 Safe Work Procedures
Safe Work Procedures must include:
a) regulatory requirements;
b) necessary personal protective equipment;
c) required training;
d) worker responsibilities;
e) specific sequence of steps to follow to complete the work safely;
f) required permits; and
g) emergency procedures.
An example of a task that requires the development of a safe work procedure is
confined space entry. Individuals who must work within confined spaces must
ensure that safe work procedures are developed and followed to maximize life
safety.
FINISH!